Pending before the Court is a motion by counsel for plaintiff, a prevailing party in this action for Social Security benefits, for an order awarding attorneys fees pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 406(b)(1). (Dkt. #19). Pursuant to a contingent fee agreement with plaintiff providing for attorneys fees in the amount of 25% of any award recovered by plaintiff, plaintiff's counsel, Howard D. Olinsky, seeks fees in the amount of $23, 511.98, which constitutes the balance of 25% of the past due benefits awarded to plaintiff.

By Stipulation and Order entered June 21, 2012 (Dkt. #16), this Court previously awarded plaintiff attorney's fees under the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA), 28 USC § 2412(d) in the amount of $7, 533.44.

The Commissioner does not oppose plaintiff's motion. (Dkt. #21).

I find that the amount of the requested fee is reasonable, in light of the character of the representation, plaintiff's counsel's expertise in Social Security law, the result that was achieved, and the absence of any delay in the proceedings by counsel. See Silliman v. Barnhart, 421 F.Supp.2d 625 (W.D.N.Y. 2006); Joslyn v. Barnhart, 389 F.Supp.2d 454 (W.D.N.Y.2005). In so finding, the Court has considered the deference that is owed to agreements between an attorney and client, the interest in assuring future representation for disability claimants, and the lack of any factor indicating that the requested award would result in a windfall. See Gisbrecht v. Barnhart, 535 U.S. 789, 802 (2002).

Plaintiff was awarded approximately $94, 047.92 in past-due benefits. Pursuant to the contingency fee agreement between plaintiff and Olinsky, Olinsky is entitled to twenty-five percent of that award. (Dkt. #19-1, Exh. C). The Commissioner has withheld a comparable amount from plaintiff's past-due benefits. (Dkt. #19-1, Exh. E).

CONCLUSION

Plaintiff's motion for attorney's fees pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 406(b) (Dkt. #19) in the amount of $23, 511.78 is granted. The award is to be made payable to Howard D. Olinsky, Esq., attorney for plaintiff. If counsel has not already refunded the amount of previously-awarded EAJA fees (Dkt. #16) to the plaintiff pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §2412, counsel is directed to do so now.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Our website includes the main text of the court's opinion but does not include the
docket number, case citation or footnotes. Upon purchase, docket numbers and/or
citations allow you to research a case further or to use a case in a legal proceeding.
Footnotes (if any) include details of the court's decision.

Buy This Entire Record For
$7.95

Official citation and/or docket number and footnotes (if any) for this case available with purchase.